[ Academia ] [ Litigation ] [ Regulatory & Policy ] [ Transactional ] as a Related Elective for those interested in International Law : International environmental law is one of the fastest growing areas of international law. Current issues of international concern covered by environmental laws include global warming, destruction of tropical rain forests, desertification, pollution, international trade in endangered species and hazardous waste shipments to Third World countries. International treaties and trade agreements often directly affect environmental controls and the evolution of international environmental regimes.
International Law looks at the nature of international law, the sources of international law (including treaties), the subjects of international law, the origins of international law and the absence of mechanisms for the authoritative interpretation or enforcement of international law.

General course
Description:

This course examines what diplomats and scholars once referred to as the "law of nations," as it has matured and evolved to adapt to today's complex and interdependent world. It begins by considering fundamental questions about the nature of international law the sources of international law (including treaties), the subjects of international law, origins of international law in the sovereign equality of states, and the absence of mechanisms for the authoritative interpretation or enforcement of international law. It explores core international law concepts and issues such as state responsibility and the bases upon which states may exercise jurisdiction. It considers the operation of international law in the U.S. legal system. It then looks at a series of international law topics and issues, including some of particular interest today, such as mechanisms for the settlement of international disputes, the law governing coercion and the use of armed force, the development of international human rights, the law of armed conflict, and the emergence of a body of international criminal law and international criminal tribunals for its enforcement. Throughout, the class considerscurrent issues and problems arising in the international arena and the extent to which international law actually affects the behavior of states. This course provides a general grounding in public international law and a foundation for more advanced or specialized international law courses.

Course Style: A Substantive course teaches the law, theory, and policy in a particular area of law